Composite hanger and label incorporating the same

ABSTRACT

A label for displaying information regarding a container and suspending the container from a support and a method for forming the same. The label includes a base label having a lower surface. A base adhesive is disposed on the lower surface for affixing the label to the container. The label further includes a hanger having at least two interconnected legs defining an opening therebetween, each of the legs having a respective end. Each of the ends of the legs are secured to the base label. The hanger includes at least first and second superimposed layers. The layers are preferably formed of polymeric film. Preferably, the first layer has a tensile strength greater than the second layer and the second layer has a tear resistance greater than the first layer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to hangers and labels having hangersfor suspending goods or packaging, and, more particularly, to hangershaving increased strength and tear resistance and to labels includingthe hangers for identifying and displaying information regarding goods,such hangers and labels providing strong and reliable means forsuspending the associated goods or packaging.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In administering certain medicines and pharmaceuticals, it is necessaryto suspend a bottle or other package containing the pharmaceuticalproduct from a hanger or like support. In particular, intravenouslyadministered fluids are typically contained in a bottle which issuspended from an extended hanger to provide gravity induced flow of thefluid.

It is highly desirable that the container be conveniently and securelysuspended. While various separate and detachable harnesses into whichthe container may be mounted have been used, such harnesses arerelatively inconvenient as they require the step of placing thecontainer in the harness or securing the harness about the container inaddition to the step of mounting the harness on the hanger. Variousother supports have been developed wherein a hanging loop is more orless permanently secured to the container with the hanging loop foldablebetween an extended position to receive the hanger and a closed positionwherein the hanging loop is flat against the bottle. Typically, thehanging loop in the closed position lies adjacent the end of the bottle,often making the container unstable when placed on end. These designsare generally formed of shrink wrapped plastic or foil. As a result,they add considerable additional cost and weight to the overallpackaging.

One alternative to the above disclosed hanging and labeling means isdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,125 to Andel et al. The Andel referencediscloses a label for identifying contents of intravenous feedingbottles having formed as an integral part thereof a hanging ring forsuspending the bottle from an intravenous stand. The label is built upfrom at least one layer of film, a layer of printing ink, and a layer ofadhesive. The handle is defined in the label by a pair of die cut linesthat penetrate at least the one layer of film in the label. A releasecoating is applied between the layer of film in the bottle and a portionof the label defied by tie handle to permit the handle to be peeled awayfrom the bottle and the remaining portion of the label. As disclosed,the hanger is formed from a single layer of film, preferablypolypropylene film.

Another label hanger is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,658 to Cowardet al. Hang strips or tabs of the label may be formed of plasticmaterial such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester, and so on, orfrom high strength paper.

One problem commonly experienced with labels such as those disclosed inAndel et al. having film hangers for supporting IV bottles and the likeis a tendency for the film of the hanger to tear. The films employed,typically polyester or polypropylene, are strong if there are no tears,nicks, or other imperfections therein and are able to support relativelylarge loads without requiring an inordinate film thickness. However, ifsuch an imperfection is formed in the hanger or in the hanger attachmentpoints, the properties of the polyester film will cause the imperfectionto quickly propagate into a substantial tear when load is placed on thehanger. In practice, it is not uncommon for small cuts or nicks to beformed in the hanger film, particularly along the hanger periphery,during manufacture, handling or when in service. When the damaged hangeris used to support an IV bottles for example, the small nick or tearbecomes a larger tear and often a complete severance of the hanger. As aresult, the bottle is allowed to fall from the support. In the hospitalenvironment, such a catastrophic failure of the hanger may in fact belife threatening. The risk of failure is further aggravated in thatfailure may result from even small, unnoticeable defects in the film.

On the other hand, in IV hanger labels such as those described in Cowardet al. using high density polyethylene, there is a tendency for thehanger film to stretch when the IV bottle is suspended therefromparticularly under heavy loads. This stretching presents a particularproblem because the IV bottle may end up too low, thus impeding propergravity flow of the fluid.

Another problem experienced with hanger labels as described above isthat the base portions underlying the hangers must be printed such thatthe indica thereon is not covered by the hangers, which are typicallyopaque. In particular, high density polyethylene is normally opaque andtherefore hangers formed of high density polyethylene, for example, asdescribed in Coward et al., will hide any underlying copy. As a result,the layout or copy generally used on he labels must be redesigned toaccommodate the hangers. In particular, it may be necessary to relocatea bar code so that it may be read by an electronic scanner.

Thus, there exists a need for a label for identifying and displayinginformation regarding an article which provides means for suspending thearticle. There exists a need for such a label which overcomes thedrawbacks and deficiencies of the prior art. In particular, there existsa need for such a label which includes a hanger which is strong, stretchresistant, and tear resistant. The hanger should be transparent so thatit does not hide indicia on other portions of the label. There exists aneed for such a label which may be conveniently and cost effectivelymanufactured. Further, there exists a need for a method and apparatusfor forming such labels.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally, the present invention is directed to a hanger and a labelincorporating the same which provides enhanced performance and securityas compared with hangers and labels of the prior art. In particular, thehangers provide both improved resistance to tearing and improvedresistance to stretching.

The present invention is directed to a label for displaying informationregarding a container and suspending the container from a support. Thelabel includes a base label having a lower surface. A base adhesive isdisposed on the lower surface for affixing the label to the container.The label further includes a hanger having at least two interconnectedlegs defining an opening therebetween, each of the legs having arespective end. Each of the ends of the legs is secured to the baselabel. The hanger includes at least first and second superimposedlayers. Preferably, each of the first and second layers is formed ofpolymeric film. Each of the first and second layers is preferablysubstantially transparent.

The hanger may be foldable about the ends between a stored positionwherein the hanger lies adjacent an upper surface of the base label anda hanging position wherein the hanger is folded away from the base labelfor receiving the support through the opening.

Preferably, the first layer has a tensile strength greater than thesecond layer and the second layer has a tear resistance greater than thefirst layer. The first layer may be formed of polyester and the secondlayer may be formed of high density polyethylene.

The first and second layers are preferably secured to one another by alayer of hanger adhesive interposed therebetween. Moreover, The firstlayer, the second layer, and the layer of hanger adhesive are preferablysubstantially coextensive. The first and second layers may be secured toone another by mechanical adhesion or welding as well.

Photo-luminescent material may be printed on one or both of the firstand second layers or may be included in an adhesive securing the layersto one another.

The ends of the legs may be secured to an upper surface of the baselabel by an anchoring adhesive. Further, each of the first and secondlayers may extend beyond the hanger with the hanger defined by cut linesformed through the first and second layers. At least a portion of atleast one of the first and second layers outside of the hanger issecured to the upper surface of the base label by the anchoringadhesive.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second film layers is formedof polyester film

The hanger may include at least three superimposed polymeric filmlayers.

The base label may have an upper surface with indica disposed on theupper surface of the base label. Moreover, at least a portion of theindica may underlie the hanger when the hanger lies adjacent the uppersurface of the base label in a stored position. Preferably, each of thelayers of the hanger is formed from a transparent material, whereby theat least a portion of the indica is visible through the hanger when thehanger is in the stored position.

The present invention is further directed to a method for forming alabel for displaying information regarding a container and suspendingthe container from a support. The method includes providing a first webhaving an upper surface, a lower surface, and a first adhesive coatingthe lower surface thereof. A second adhesive is applied to at least oneof the upper surface of the first web and a lower surface of a secondweb, the second web including at least first and second superimposedlayers. The second web is named to the first such that a portion of thelower surface of the second web is secured to the upper surface of thefirst web by the second adhesive The second web is cut down through eachof the first and second layers and to the first web to form a hangertherein. The first web is cut through to form a base label therein.

The method may include the step of removing a second web waste matrixfollowing die step of cutting the second web. Preferably, in such case,the step of cutting the second web to form the hanger includes forming ahanger having at least two spaced apart legs, and the step of removingthe second web waste matrix includes removing an interior waste portionforming a part of the second web and defined between the legs of thehanger.

The method may further include the step of applying a third layer ofadhesive between the first and second layers of the second web. A firstweb waste matrix may be removed following the step of cutting the baseweb. The method may further include the step of printing on the firstweb. A release varnish may be selectively applied to the upper surfaceof the first web prior to marrying the second web to the first web.

Each of first and second layers of the second web may be a polymericfilm Preferably, the first layer has a tensile strength greater than thesecond layer and the second layer has a tear resistance greater than thefirst layer. Preferably, each of the first and second layers issubstantially transparent.

The present invention is firer directed to a hanger having at least twointerconnected legs defining an opening therebetween. Each of the legshas a respective end. The hanger includes at least first and secondsuperimposed polymeric film layers.

Preferably, in the label as just described, the first layer has atensile strength greater than the second layer and the second layer hasa tear resistance greater than the first layer. The first layer ispreferably formed of polyester and the second layer is preferably formedof high density polyethylene. Preferably, each of the first and secondlayers is substantially transparent.

The first and second layers may be secured to one another by a layer ofhanger adhesive interposed therebetween. The first layer, the secondlayer, and the layer of hanger adhesive are preferably substantiallycoextensive. The first and second layers may be secured to one anotherby mechanical adhesion or welding as well.

Photo-luminescent material may be printed on one or both of the firstand second layers or may be included in an adhesive securing the layersto one another.

In some embodiments, the hanger includes at least three superimposedpolymeric film layers.

In some embodiments, each of the first and second superimposed polymericfilm layers are formed of polyester film.

The present invention is further directed to a label for displayinginformation regarding a container and suspending the container from asupport as follows. The label includes a base label having a lowersurface. A base adhesive is disposed on the lower surface for affixingthe label to the container. A hanger is provided having at least twointerconnected legs defining an opening therebetween, each of the legshaving a respective end. Each of the ends of the legs is secured to thebase label. The hanger includes a scrim and a backing layer secured tothe scrim.

The backing layer may be a polymeric film. Preferably, the backing layerand the scrim are each transparent. The backing layer may be secured tothe scrim by adhesive. A second backing layer may be secured to thescrim, with the first and second backing layers disposed on opposedsurfaces of the scrim. Preferably, the second backing layer is alsotransparent.

The present invention is further directed to a hanger having at leasttwo interconnected legs defining an opening therebetween. Each of thelegs has a respective end. The hanger includes a scrim and a backinglayer secured to the scrim. Preferably, the hanger is constructed asdescribed above.

An object of the present invention is to provide a hanger for suspendinggoods or packaging which is strong, stretch resistant, and tearresistant.

Moreover, an object of the present invention is to provide a label foridentifying and displaying information regarding goods contained in apackage such as a bottle which includes such a hanger for suspending theassociated goods or packaging.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a label asdescribed above which will support relatively large loads withouttearing or stretching.

An object of the present invention is to provide such a label and hangerwherein the hanger is substantially transparent so that indica disposedon the label and underneath the hanger is not hidden from view.

Moreover, an object of the present invention is to provide a hanger anda label as described above which may be conveniently and costeffectively manufactured.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method andapparatus for forming hangers and labels as described above.

The preceding and further objects of the present invention will beappreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art from a reading of theFigures and the detailed description of the preferred embodiment whichfollows such description being merely illustrative of the presentinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a labelincluding a composite hanger according to the present invention disposedon a release liner;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hanging label according to the firstembodiment disposed on the release liner;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the label according to the firstembodiment affixed to a container and suspended by the hanger thereoffrom a support;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing an apparatus for forming labels ofthe present invention according to a first method using a pre-formedmulti-ply web for forming the hangers;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for forming labels of thepresent invention according to a second method using two separate websfor forming the hangers;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a label incorporating a hangeraccording to a second embodiment disposed on a release liner;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a label according to a third embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side, cross-sectional view of the label of FIG. 7 takenalong the line 8--8;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a hanger according to a fourth embodimentof the present invention incorporating a scrim; and

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of the hanger of FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 a label 100 according to a firstembodiment of the present invention and including a composite hanger 130is shown therein. Hanger 130 has a multi-ply construction. The materialsof the plies are selectively chosen to provide hanger 130 with improvedbreak strength, stretch resistance, and tear resistance. The materialsare also selected and processed so that the hanger is substantiallytransparent. Further, the materials are well suited for use in automaticmanufacture of the labels.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, label 100 is releasably secured to a releaseliner 102 by adhesive 104. Label 100 may be removed from release liner102 and applied to a suitable container 7 as shown in FIG. 3 byconventional means including, for example, automatic applicatorequipment. Once affixed to container 7 by means of adhesive 104, label100 will serve by means of indica 118 to display information regardingcontainer 7 and its contents. Further, hanger 130 forming a part oflabel 100 may be folded away from base 110 and container 7 whereupon itmay be looped over a suitable support 5 for suspending container 7.

Turning to label 100 in greater detail, base label 110 may be formedfrom any suitable film or paper stock. Further, base label 110 may beformed from a self adhesive pressure sensitive web or, as analternative, the pressure sensitive material may be applied to theundersurface of the stock or to the upper surface of the release liner,the release liner and stock thereafter being married. Suitable materialsfor base label 110 include 2.3 mil white biaxially orientedpolypropylene face stock with B-122 adhesive (corresponding to adhesive104) and a 50 pound release liner (corresponding to release liner 102),available from Brownbridge Industries, Inc. of Troy, Ohio. Suitableindica 118 such as brand names, bar codes, warnings, and lot andexpiration data are printed on the upper surface of base label 110.Preferably, base label 110 also has a coating of alcohol resistantvarnish on the upper surface thereof to resist destruction by abrasionand chemical exposure. Tab 116 is provided extending from an edge ofbase label 110 and underlying pull tab 136 of hanger 130. Notably,because the hanger and foot portions do not cover the entire uppersurface of the base label, users of the label may apply further indica.For example, a product manufacturer may wish to print suitable dataadjacent the "LOT:" and "EXP:" indica. The upper surface of the baselabel adjacent these indica is preferably formed from or coated with asuitable material for facilitating printing, such materials being wellknown in the art.

The upper surface of base label 110 is divided into adhesive zone 112and non-adhesive zone 114 by imaginary line A. Interior area 117 of theupper surface of base label 110 is defined between legs 132A and 132Band above line A. A further varnish layer 120 is disposed on the uppersurface of base label 110 throughout adhesive zone 112 except in theareas underlying foot portions 140A, 140B. To the extent that there ismisregistry between the locations of varnish coating 120, the borderbetween adhesive zone 112 and non-adhesive zone 114, and foot portions140A, 140B, varnish coating 120 preferably overlaps into those otherareas. Varnish 120 is a release varnish which allows adhesive to beremoved from the upper surface of base label 110. Suitable vanishesinclude Paragon L075 varnish, available from Paragon Ink of Connecticut.The significance of zones 112 and 114 and varnish 120 will be discussedhereinafter Varnish 120 may also be present underneath the portions offoot portions 140A, 140B extending between the bottoms of cutouts 144and line A. If so, it may be desirable to apply adhesive deadener to theadhesive at these portions so that the adhesive will not interfere withhandling when the hanger is in the hanging position, thus exposing theadhesive.

Hanger 130 and integrally formed foot portions 140A, 140B areconstructed as follows. Hanger 130 is formed of superimposed layers 150and 155 which are permanently secured to one another by adhesive 154.Layer 150 is formed of a relatively tear resistant, high strengthmaterial as compared to layer 155. Layer 155 is formed of a relativelystretch resistant material as compared to layer 150. The positions oflayers 150 and 155 may be reversed, however, the order as described andshown is preferred.

Preferably, each of layers 150 and 155 are transparent. Layer 155 ispreferably a polyester film having a thickness of from about 2 to 6 mil,and more preferably from about 3 to 4 mil. Suitable polyester films areavailable from Fasson of Painesville, Ohio. Layer 150 is preferably ahigh density polyethylene film having a thickness of from about 2 to 5mil, and more preferably no greater than 2.5 mil (as discussed in moredetail below). More preferably, layer 150 is an oriented andcross-laminated high density polyethylene film having such thickness.Suitable oriented and cross-laminated high density polyethylene filmsfor layer 150 include VALERON™ film available from Van Leer Films.Suitable adhesives for adhesive 154 include S-3000 available fromFasson.

As noted above, layers 150 and 155 are preferably transparent. If layer150 is formed of high density polyethylene, it has been found that thematerial may be rendered substantially transparent by selectivelyheating and stretching (simultaneously in both the machine andtransverse directions) an originally cross laminated film of aprescribed thickness to a thickness of about 2.5 mil or less. It hasbeen found that films processed in this manner but having a finalthickness of greater than about 2.5 mil are not substantiallytransparent. Further, it has been found that two or more stacked filmlayers processed in this manner and each having a thickness of about 2.5mil or less, but having a combined thickness of greater than 2.5 mil,also do not provide a substantially transparent construction.Accordingly, if layer 150 is a high density polyethylene film, layer 150should be no greater than about 2.5 mil thick and should be formed of aunitary layer. Transparent polyester films are commonly available in awide range of thicknesses.

Preferably, layers 150 and 155 are of the same size and shape with theirrespective peripheries in registry as shown, however, the layers may bedifferently configured. Preferably, adhesive 154 completely coats theopposed surfaces of layers 150, 155. Thus, hanger 130 is dual plythroughout. With reference to FIG. 2, hanger 130 includes legs 132A and132B which terminate in ends 134A and 134B, respectively. Ends 134A and134B are integral with, and preferably unitarily formed with, footportions 140A and 140B, respectively.

The preferred dimensions of layers 150, 155 will depend upon theparticular application and the desired appearance of the hanger. For alabel 100 to be used with a conventional 250 ml IV bottle (approximatefull weight 1.2 lbs.), each leg 132A, 132B should have a nominal width Wof form about 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch, polyester layer 155 should be about3 to 4 mil thick, and high density polyethylene layer 150 should beabout 2.5 mil thick.

Foot portions 140A and 140B are substantially permanently adhered to theupper surface of base label 110 by anchoring adhesive patches 142A and142B which coat portions of the undersurface of layer 150. Adhesivepatches 142A and 142B extend up to border line A. Vanish coating 120 ispresent in the gap 115 between foot portions 140A and 140B. Notably, gap115 lies adjacent interior area 117. Stress relief cutouts 144 areformed in each of foot portions 140A and 140B through each of layers 150and 155. Film material may be provided within cutouts 144 as well, inwhich case the stress relief curves will be formed by cut lines in thefoot portions. Pull tab 136 extends upwardly from hanger 130 and isintegrally formed with, and preferably unitarily formed with, hanger130.

Hanger 130 (including all of its layers 150, 154, 155) is tansitionedfrom the stored position of FIG. 1 to the hanging position of FIG. 2 bygrabbing pull tab 136 and lifting hanger 130 up and away from base label110. Legs 132A and 132B fold about ends 134A and 134B, respectively. Thedistance between the ends of the legs is preferably chosen such that theends will be disposed diametrically opposite one another when the labelis affixed to a container of a prescribed circumference. Stress reliefcutouts 144 serve to inhibit the material of foot portions 140A, 140Bfrom tearing

As noted above layer 150 is more tear resistant than layer 155 and layer155 is more stretch resistant than layer 150. For example, the tensilestrength of a 3 mil polyester film is about 24,000-30,000 psi ascompared to 8,500 psi for a 2.5 mil VALERON™ film. The tear resistanceof the 2.5 mil VALERON™ film is at least 10 times as great as the tearresistance of the 3 mil polyester film (as measured in terms of unitgrains force required to propagate a tear). Hanger 130 having both ofsuperimposed layers 150, 155 with their respective different propertiesprovides all of the benefits of a film hanger while insuring againstcatastrophic failure of the hanger. Layer 155 provides break strengthand stretch resistance so that the hanger does not stretch under aprescribed load. Layer 150 provides tear resistance. Thus, while thematerial of layer 155 has a tendency to tear if nicks or the like arepresent, such tears are prevented from propagating by the tearresistance of layer 150. On the other hand, while layer 150 has atendency to stretch under load, particularly over long periods of time,stretching of the hanger is prevented by layer 155. Hanger may be diecutfrom a composite web as described below, thereby allowing for efficientand cost-effective manufacture using conventional methods and apparatus.Moreover, because each of films 150, 155 and adhesive 154 aretransparent materials, indica 118 is visible through the hanger both toan observer and to an electronic bar code reader.

With reference to FIG. 4, an apparatus for forming labels 100 accordingto the first embodiment is shown schematically therein. Apparatus 400may include, for example, a Mark Andy 2200 Flexopress available fromMark Andy, Inc. of Chesterfeld, Mo. Alternatively, rotary letter press,lithographic printing, silk screen, or gravure may be used.

First, a web of pressure sensitive film or paper 404 is unwound fromunwind station 402. Preferably, web 404 includes a release liner and astock web adhered thereto by a pressure sensitive adhesive.Alternatively, base web 404 may be formed by applying adhesive to theunderside of a stock web on line prior to marrying the stock web to therelease liner. The stock material and pressure sensitive adhesivecorrespond to base label 110 and adhesive 104 of the finished labels100. Web 404 is passed through one or more print stations 410 at whichindica 118 is applied to the upper surface of the web. Alcohol resistantvarnish is applied at varnish station 412 and cured at curing station414. Release varnish 120 is applied at vanish station 416 and cured atcuring station 418. More particularly, vanish applying station 416applies varnish in the areas of base web 404 corresponding tonon-adhesive zone 112 in a pattern excluding the portions correspondingto feet 140A and 140B.

A pre-formed composite web 422 is unwound from unwind station 420. Web422 corresponds to hanger 130 and foot portions 140A, 140B of label 100.Web 422 is formed of (1) an upper continuous web of polyester or othersuitable material as described above for layer 155 of hanger 130 and (2)a lower continuous web of VALERON™ or other suitable material asdescribed above for layer 150, secured together by (3) a layer ofadhesive therebetween corresponding to adhesive 154.

Adhesive applicator 424 applies adhesive to the underside of web 422.Adhesive applicator 424 is preferably a screen coater as available fromNordson Corporation of Alpharetta, Ga. Adhesive applicator 424 forms acontinuous, longitudinal band on the underside of web 422 correspondingto adhesive zone 112 of label 100. That is, adhesive applicator 424forms a band of adhesive along one side edge of the web 422 whileleaving a non-adhesive band adjacent the other side of the web,

Webs 422 and 404 are married at nip rollers 426. The adhesive applied byadhesive applicator 424 serves to adhere the lower portion of web 422 tothe upper surface of web 404. More particularly, the portions of web 422corresponding to foot portions 140A and 140B are permanently secured tothe non-release vanish coated portions of base web 404. The remainder ofthe adhesive on the underside of web 422 is releasably secured to therelease varnish coated portions of base web 404.

Thereafter, die cutter 430 forms cut lines in web 422 through each ofthe lower and upper webs and adhesive (corresponding to layers 150, 155and adhesive 154) down to base web 404 to define hanger 130 and footportions 140A, 140B. Upper waste matrix 432 consisting of the portionsof web 422 and the adhesive thereon not lying within hanger 130 and footportions 140A, 140B is pulled away by winding station 434. Releasevarnish 120 allows the adhesive on the undersurface of web 422 to bereleased from base web 404 and removed with the waste matrix. Notably,release varnish coated gap 115 connects the continuous portion of thewaste matrix below the foot portions to the portion of the waste matrixdefined between legs. 140A and 140B (i.e., overlying interior area 117).In this way, the entire waste matrix of web 422 outside of hanger 130and foot portions 140A, 140B may be removed as a continuous piece,thereby allowing continuous removal.

Thereafter, base labels 110 are formed by die cutter 440 which forms diecuts through base web 404 down to release liner 102. The waste matrix442 of base web 404 is removed by winding station 444. The resultinglabels 100 disposed on release liner 102 may thereafter be wound ontowinding station 446 or sheeted and stacked.

In some cases, it may be feasible to dispense with the use of therelease varnish. This may be possible in cases where the adhesive is notallowed sufficient time to set, and can therefore be stripped awaybefore it becomes permanently adhered to the base web.

With reference to FIG. 5, an apparatus 500 for forming labels 100according to a second method is shown therein. Elements 502, 504, 510,512, 514, 516, 518, 524, 526, 530, 532, 534, 540, 542, 544, and 546correspond to elements 402, 404, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 424, 426, 430,432, 434, 440, 442, 444, and 446 of apparatus 400. Web 522 correspondsto web 422 but differs in tat it is formed in-line on the apparatusrather than being preformed. Namely, web 527 corresponding to layer 150is unwound from unwind stand 520. Web 521 corresponding to layer 155 andadhesive 154 is unwound from unwind stand 525. Web 521 is preferablypre-coated with pressure sensitive adhesive on its lower surface, theadhesive covered with a release liner 523 (removed by unwind stand 519),however, adhesive may be applied by an adhesive applicator (not shown)after unwinding and prior to marrying of webs 521 and 527 by nip rollers529. The operation of apparatus 500 is otherwise as described above withregard to apparatus 400.

Each of the labels as described above may be produced "multiple up" on aweb. That is, a plurality of labels may be formed across a relativelywide web which may thereafter be slit into individual webs.

Either the upper surfaces or the lower surfaces of each of the layers ofthe hangers may be printed on. As noted above, each layer of the hangermaterial is preferably transparent. In this way, if the hanger is notprinted, tire base label may be printed without regard for the placementof the hanger in either of the stored or operative positions.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art that labels 100 may be constructed according to other methods.Moreover, the labels may be modified in various ways while stillemploying a multi-ply hanger as described. For example, a hangeraccording to the present invention may be used and incorporated invarious labels and methods as described in applicants' U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/647,466, filed May 3, 1996, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated herein in its entirety. The means and methods forsuch use and incorporation will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art upon a reading of said patent application disclosure and thedescription hereinabove. Among the possible modifications to the labelsand methods contemplated, adhesive may be applied to the base web ratherthan the hanger web. Hangers 130 may be preformed and applied by hand orby machine to a base web corresponding to base 110 adhesive beingapplied to either of the hangers or the base web. Rather than employingvarnish 120, the adhesive patches which secure the foot portions to thebase may be applied using a suitable adhesive applicator such as a slotcoater or screen printer. Rather than applying adhesive only to thehanger web or the base web at locations corresponding to the footportions, the entire underside of the hanger web may be coated withadhesive and portions of the adhesive outside of the foot portions inturn coated with an adhesive deadener.

With reference to FIG. 6, a label 600 according to a second embodimentof the present invention is shown therein. Label 600 includes hanger 630corresponding to hanger 130 of the first embodiment except as follows.Hanger 630 includes layer 650 corresponding to layer 150 preferablyformed of transparent linear low density polyethylene. Layer 650 issecured to layer 655 by adhesive 654 corresponding to adhesive 154.Layer 655 is formed of the same material as described with respect tolayer 155. Layer 660 is secured to the upper surface of layer 655 byadhesive 664, preferably the same type adhesive as used for layer 154.Layer 660 is preferably formed of the same material as layer 650. Itwill be appreciated that hanger 630 being so constructed provides thesame advantages as described above with regard to hanger 130.Additionally, the provision of tear resistant layers 650 and 660 oneither side of stretch resistant layer 655 serves to shield stretchresistant layer 655 from nicks and cuts both when the hanger is in thestored position and when in use. Elements 602, 604, 610, 640A, 640B,642A, and 642B correspond to elements 102, 104, 110, 140A, 140B, 142A,and 142B of label 100, respectively.

With reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, a label 700 according to a thirdembodiment is shown therein. Label 700 is disposed on release liner 702and includes pressure sensitive adhesive 704 and base layer 710corresponding to elements 104 and 110 of label 100. Label 700 furtherincludes pressure sensitive adhesive 714, layer 750A, pressure sensitiveadhesive 754A, and layer 755A. Layer 750A is preferably formed from thesame materials and has the same characteristics as described above withrespect to layer 150 of the first embodiment. Layer 755A is preferablyformed from the same materials and has the same characteristics as layer155 of label 100, Hanger 730 having legs 730A and 730B is defined inlayers 750A, 754A, and 755A by cut lines 731 and 732 which extendthrough each of the layers. More particularly, hanger 730 has elements750, 754, and 755 formed from layers 750a, 754a, and 755a, respectively,and corresponding to elements 150, 154, and 155 of label 100,respectively. Adhesive layer 714 is interposed between and secures baselayer 710 to layers 750A at areas 740 throughout label 700 except at theportions underlying hanger 730.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that hanger 730 may be pulledup and away from base layer 710 and will be secured by the ends of itslegs to the base label and an associated article to which the base labelis secured by adhesive 704. Hanger 730 so constructed provides theadvantages attributable to the composite construction and the selectedperformance characteristics as discussed above with regard to hanger130. Means and methods for manufacturing labels 700 will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of theforegoing descriptions and the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,135,125 toAndel et al., the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated in itsentirety by reference.

EXAMPLE 1

A label according to the present invention having the followingconstruction was tested as described below. Each leg of the hanger had anominal width of 3/8 inch and layers 150, 155 were identically shapedand aligned.

    ______________________________________    Component    Material    ______________________________________    release liner 102                 50 lb. Kraft liner    adhesive 104 Brownbridge B-122 adhesive    base label 110                 Brownbridge 2.3 mil biaxially oriented                 polypropylene with an imprintable clay top                 coating    adhesive 142A, 142B                 Fasson S-3000 adhesive    layer 155    clear 3 mil polyester film    adhesive 154 Fasson S-3000 adhesive    layer 150    2.5 mil BTX Valeron (heated and stretched                 as described above to make the film                 transparent)    ______________________________________

The label was secured to a bottle weighing approximately 1.2 lbs.(conventional IV 250 ml bottle, filled with fluid) and suspended from ahook. A 10 lb. weight was attached to the bottle. The bottle remainedsuspended for 100 hours without breakage or stretching of the label inexcess of 1/2 inch. A label as described above was also suspended on anAmnetek ACCUFORCE II model no. M-L 4433 tensile strength tester. Themeasured tensile strength was between 40 to 50 lbs. and the hangermaterial stretched about 1/2 inch. The overall hanger was substantiallytransparent.

EXAMPLE 2

A label having components corresponding to elements 102, 104, 110,adhesive 142A, 142B, and layer 150 was constructed as described for thefirst example except that layer 150 was a 5 mil polyester film andadhesive 154 and layer 155 were omitted. The tensile strength of hislabel, as measured by the Ametek pull tester, was approximately 35 lbs.and the hanger material stretched about 1/2 inch. No nicks or cuts wereintroduced to the polyester film as may occur in normal usage.

EXAMPLE 3

A label having components corresponding to elements 102, 104, 110,adhesive 142A, 142B, and layer 150 was constructed as described for thefirst example except that layer 150 was an 8.6 mil Valeron film andadhesive 154 and layer 155 were omitted The tensile strength of thislabel, as measured by the Anietek pull tester, was approximately 54 lbs.and the hanger material stretched about 8 to 12 inches. The Valeron filmlayer was substantially opaque.

While it is generally preferred that the film hanger be constructed fromat least one relatively stretch resistant, high break strength film andat least one layer of tear resistant film, it is also contemplated thata multi-ply hanger may be formed using only layers of stretch resistant,high break strength material. For example, with reference to FIG. 1,layer 150 rather than being formed of a tear resistant material such asVALERON™ may be formed from the same or a similar material to that asdescribed for layer 155, for example, polyester film. The compositehanger so formed may comprise further superimposed layers as well.Notably, the hanger will only tear if a nick or cut is formed in all ofthe superimposed layers 150, 155 at substantially the same location.Thus, the chances of catastrophic failure of the hanger aresubstantially reduced. In particular, for the same film materials, thetear propagation rate for the multi-ply hanger is substantially lessthan that for a single layer hanger having a thickness the same as thesum of the thicknesses of multiple layers. Further, the presence ofadhesive between the adjacent layers 150, 155 serves to diffuse thestresses which otherwise concentrate to accelerate tear propagation.Preferably, in this embodiment, layers 150 and 155 are identical.

As a further alternative, layer 150 may be a high density polyethylenefilm as described above with layer 155 being a low density polyethylenefilm instead of polyester. Alternatively, layer 150 may be a highdensity polyethylene with layer 155 being an oriented polypropylene.

With reference to FIGS. 9 and 107 a hanger 830 according to a fourthembodiment is shown therein. It will be readily appreciated from thedescription which follows that hanger 830 may be used in place of and inthe same manner as hangers 130, 630, and 730 of the labels of thepreceding embodiments. Hanger 830 has legs 832A, 832B with respectivefoot portions 840A, 840B. Hanger 830 is characterized in that itincludes scrim 860 sandwiched between layers 850 and 855. Layers 850,855 and scrim 860 are permanently adhered to one another by adhesive 865as shown in FIG. 10.

Scrim 860 may be any suitable scrim or mesh material. Preferably, scrim860 is formed from woven polyester warp strands 864 and weft strands862. Suitable scrim material includes STABILLON™ polyester or glassfilament scrim available from the Milliken Specialty IndustrialDivision. The strand density in both the warp and weft directions ispreferably about 3 to 4 strands per inch with a strand thickness of fromabout 520 to 560 microns. The strands are preferably transparent.

Film layers 850 and 855 may be chosen to provide additional tensilestrength and/or tear resistance to the hanger or may be chosen withoutregard to performance characteristics. For example, suitable materialswould include linear low density polyethylene or low thickness highdensity polyethylene if it were desired to provide additional tearresistance. Preferably, film layers 850 and 855 are each transparent.Adhesive 865 is preferably Fasson S-3000.

Because, as shown, each of layers 850 and 855 is transparent, theoverall hanger 830 is substantially transparent. Thus, the hangerincorporating the scrim will provide the same benefits as describedabove attributable to a transparent hanger, namely, that any underlyingindica on the base label will be visible therethrough. Moreover, theconstruction of the scrim provides an inherent improved tear resistance.Because the scrim is formed of individual strands the tear propagationmechanism of a film is not present.

Labels incorporating hangers 830 may be formed in substantially the samemanner as labels 100. However, pre-formed composite web 422 is replacedwith a pre-formed composite web consisting of a continuous webcorresponding to layer 850, a continuous web corresponding to layer 855,a continuous band of scrim corresponding to scrim 860, and a continuouslayer of adhesive corresponding to adhesive 865. The pre-formedcomposite web may be constructed by supplying the webs corresponding tolayers 850 and 855 as self adhesive webs. The self adhesive webs areplaced on a web press and drawn through a nip roller with the band ofscrim therebetween and their self adhesive surfaces facing one anotherand respective opposed sides of the scrim. Alternatively, the suppliedweb corresponding to webs 850, 855 may be non-self adhesive withadhesive being applied to one or both webs prior to lamination of thewebs and the scrim

In addition to or in place of adhesive, the layers of the hanger may besecured to one another by mechanical adhesion (i.e., heat the films andrun them together under pressure through a nip roller) or a suitablewelding process.

In each of the above described hangers and labels it may be desirable toprovide means for verifying that a hanger is mounted on each label. Inthe hanger embodiments wherein the layers of the hanger are secured toone another by adhesive (e.g., adhesive layer 154) the adhesive mayinclude a photo-luminescent additive. Suitable adhesives of this typeinclude Fasson PL-3000. If the layers are mechanically adhered or weldedtogether, a photo-luminescent material may be printed on one or more ofthe hanger layers. A conventional sensor may be used to detect thepresence of the photo-luminescent material and thereby the hanger.

While a preferred embodiment of the present invention has beendescribed, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art thatcertain modifications may be made without departing from the scope ofthe present invention. All such modifications are intended to comewithin the scope of claims which follow.

What is claimed:
 1. A label for displaying information regarding acontainer and suspending the container from a support, said labelcomprising:a) a base label having a lower surface; b) abase adhesivedisposed on said lower surface for affixing said label to the container,c) a hanger having at least two interconnected legs defining an openingtherebetween, each of said-legs having a respective end; d) each of saidends of said legs secured to said base label; e) wherein said hanger isconstructed in a layered structure which includes at least first andsecond superimposed polymeric film layers extending between saidrespective ends of said legs; and f) wherein said first layer has atensile strength greater than said second layer and said second layerhas a tear resistance greater than said first layer.
 2. The label ofclaim 1 wherein each of said first and second layers is substantiallytransparent.
 3. The label of claim 1 wherein said banger is foldableabout said ends between a stored position wherein said hanger liesadjacent an upper surface of said base label and a hanging positionwherein said hanger is folded away from said base label for receivingthe support through said opening.
 4. The label of claim 1 wherein saidfirst layer is formed of polyester.
 5. The label of claim 1 wherein saidsecond layer is formed of high density polyethylene.
 6. The label ofclaim 5 wherein each of said first and second layers is substantiallytransparent.
 7. The label of claim 1 wherein said first layer is formedof polyester and said second layer is formed of high densitypolyethylene.
 8. The label of claim 1 wherein said first and secondlayers are secured to one another by mechanical adhesion.
 9. The labelof claim 1 wherein said first and second layers are secured to oneanother by welding.
 10. The label of claim 1 wherein at least one ofsaid first and second layers is printed with a photo-luminescentmaterial.
 11. The label of claim 1 wherein said first and second layersare secured to one another by a layer of hanger adhesive interposedtherebetween.
 12. The label of claim 11 wherein said hanger adhesiveincludes a photo-luminescent material.
 13. The label of claim 11 whereinsaid first layer, said second layer, and said layer of hanger adhesiveare substantially coextensive.
 14. The label of claim 1 wherein saidends of said legs are secured to an upper surface of said base label byan anchoring adhesive.
 15. The label of claim 14 wherein each of saidfirst and second layers extends beyond said hanger and said hanger isdefined by cut lines formed through said first and second layers, atleast a portion of at least one of said first and second layers outsideof said hanger being secured to said upper surface of said base label bysaid anchoring adhesive.
 16. The label of claim 1 wherein said hangerincludes at least three superimposed polymeric film layers.
 17. Thelabel of claim 16 wherein two of said superimposed polymeric film layersare formed of linear low density polyethylene film.
 18. The label ofclaim 1 wherein said base label has an upper surface and includes indicadisposed on said upper surface of said base label.
 19. The label ofclaim 3 wherein said base label has an upper surface and includes indicadisposed on said upper surface of said base label.
 20. The label ofclaim 19 wherein at least a portion of said indica underlies said hangerwhen said hanger lies adjacent said upper surface of said base label ina stored position, and wherein each of said first and second polymericfilm layers of said hanger is formed from a substantially transparentmaterial, whereby said at least a portion of said indica is visiblethrough said hanger when said hanger is in said stored position.
 21. Alabel for displaying information regarding a container and suspendingthe container from a support, said label comprising:a) a base labelhaving a lower surface; b) a base adhesive disposed on said lowersurface for affixing said label to the container; c) a hanger having atleast two interconnected legs defining an opening therebetween, each ofsaid legs having a respective end; d) each of said ends of said legssecured to said base label; e) wherein said hanger is constructed in alayered structure which includes at least first and second superimposedlayers extending between said respective ends of said legs; and f)wherein said first layer has a tensile strength greater than said secondlayer and said second layer has a tear resistance greater than saidfirst layer.
 22. The label of claim 21 wherein each of said first andsecond layers is substantially transparent.
 23. The label of claim 21wherein said hanger is foldable about said ends between a storedposition wherein said hanger lies adjacent an upper surfaces of saidbase label and a hanging position wherein said hanger is folded awayfrom said base label for receiving the support through said opening. 24.The label of claim 21 wherein said first and second layers are securedto one another by mechanical adhesion.
 25. The label of claim 21 whereinsaid first and second layers are secured to one another by welding. 26.The label of claim 21 wherein at least one of said first and secondlayers is printed with a photo-luminescent material.
 27. The label ofclaim 21 wherein said first and second layers are secured to one anotherby a layer of hanger adhesive interposed therebetween.
 28. The label ofclaim 27 wherein said hanger adhesive includes a photo-luminescentmaterial.
 29. The label of claim 27 wherein said first layer, saidsecond layer, and said layer of hanger adhesive are substantiallycoextensive.
 30. The label of claim 21 wherein said ends of said legsare secured to an upper surface of said base label by an anchoringadhesive.
 31. The label of claim 21 wherein said hanger includes atleast three superimposed layers.
 32. The label of claim 21 wherein saidbase label has an upper surface and includes indica disposed on saidupper surface of said base label.
 33. The label of claim 32 wherein atleast a portion of said indica underlies said hanger when said hangerlies adjacent said upper surface of said base label in a storedposition, and wherein each of said first and second layers of saidhanger is formed from a substantially transparent material, whereby saidat least a portion of said indica is visible through said hanger whensaid hanger is in said stored position.
 34. A label for displayinginformation regarding a container and suspending the container from asupport said label comprising:a) a base label having an upper surfaceand a lower surface; b) a base adhesive disposed on said lower surfacefor affixing said label to the container; c) a hanger having at leasttwo interconnected legs defining an opening therebetween, each of saidlegs having a respective end; d) each of said ends of said legs securedto said upper surface of said base label by an anchoring adhesive, saidhanger foldable about said ends between a stored position wherein saidhanger lies adjacent said upper surface of said base label and a hangingposition wherein said hanger is folded away from said base label forreceiving the support through said opening; e) wherein said hanger isconstructed in a layered structure which includes at least first andsecond superimposed polymeric film layers extending between saidrespective ends of said legs and secured to one another by a layer ofhanger adhesive interposed therebetween, said first layer, said secondlayer, and said layer of hanger adhesive being substantiallycoextensive; f) indica disposed on said upper surface of said baselabel, at least a portion of said indica underlying said hanger whensaid hanger lies adjacent said upper surface of said base label in saidstored position, and wherein each of said first and second polymericfilm layers of said hanger is formed from a substantially transparentmaterial, whereby said at least a portion of said indica is visiblethrough said hanger when said hanger is in said stored position; and g)wherein said first layer has a tensile strength greater than said secondlayer and said second layer has a tear resistance greater than said fistlayer.
 35. The label of claim 34 wherein said first layer is formed ofpolyester and said second layer is formed of high density polyethylene.36. The label of claim 34 wherein each of said first and second layersextends beyond said hanger and said hanger is defined by cut linesformed through said first and second layers, at least a portion of atleast one of said first and second layers outside of said hanger beingsecured to said upper surface of said base label by said anchoringadhesive.
 37. The label of claim 34 wherein said hanger includes atleast three superimposed polymeric film layers.
 38. The label of claim37 wherein two of said superimposed polymeric film layers are formed oflinear low density polythylene film.